2I-N1

From OnAirpower.org

2I-N1

Designation:	2I-N1
Also Known As:	DI-1
Manufacturer:	Polikarpov
Nationality:	Soviet
First Flight:	January 12, 1926
Remarks:	The first biplane fighter design created by Soviet aircraft designer Nikolai Polikarpov

[edit] Notes

The 2I-N1 was a two-seat biplane fighter that was the first of many fighter designs by Soviet aircraft designer Nikolai Polikarpov. Its name was derived from the Russian word for fighter, "Istrebitel", and its Napier engine--hence "2" seat fighter "I" powered by a Napier "N" engine, with the "1" signifying either a first design or the factory number that it was produced at^[1].

Work on a single prototype of the fighter started in October, 1924. The prototype flew for the first time on January 12th, 1926. During its ninth test flight on March 31st, 1926, the skin of the right upper wing tore away, resulting in a crash that claimed the lives of test pilot V. N. Filippov and observer V. V. Mikhailov. Manufacturing defects were believed to have caused the crash. All further work on the design was halted^[2].